Graduate job hopefuls 'must apply now'

With graduate employers currently on the lookout for degree-level talent which will be available to them come 2010, students have been urged to be proactive when it comes to applications.

David Baker, managing director of interview training firm Evolutions, said that those hoping to have a graduate job by the time they leave university will need to apply now rather than at Christmas.

According to the expert, "a common mistake students make is to leave job applications until their essay deadlines and exams are over. They need to realise that the majority of graduate schemes for 2010 close in November and December".

He warned that the application process is "long", and employers will be looking to offer graduate jobs to those who stand out from the crowd.

The Association of Graduate Recruiters recently told job hunters that feeling down about the lack of opportunities during the recession will affect their chances of finding employment, the Guardian reported.